Employability manager jobs in Cardiff

Bid & Proposal Manager

Location: London

Salary: £44,000 - £48,000 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time

Catch22 exists to help build a society where everyone has a good place to live, good people around them, and a fulfilling purpose. We call these our '3Ps'. We achieve this in two ways. First we improve lives on the frontline through delivery of public services. Secondly, we use our knowledge to change 'the system', to fix the complex web that can trap and disempower those it was set up to help. With the heart of a charity and the mindset of a business, we are uniquely placed to deliver on this challenging agenda.

Job Description

As a Bid and Proposal Manager, you will play a pivotal role in securing funding that enables Catch22 to deliver life-changing services across the UK. Working within a high-performing and collaborative Business Development team, you will lead the development of major public sector and grant funding opportunities, shaping innovative solutions that respond to complex social challenges and drive sustainable organisational growth.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of strategic growth, influencing service design, developing partnerships, and leading bids that have a direct impact on the communities we serve. You'll take ownership of high-profile opportunities while collaborating with colleagues across the organisation to maximise our success.

Your responsibilities will include:

· Leading complex public sector bids and grant funding proposals from assessment through to submission, securing significant income and strategic growth opportunities for Catch22.

· Managing end-to-end bid and proposal processes, delivering high-quality, compliant submissions within tight timescales and governance requirements.

· Developing compelling, high-scoring bid content and innovative, outcomes-focused solutions that respond effectively to commissioner and funder requirements.

· Bringing together operational leaders, external partners and subject matter experts to create credible, deliverable and commercially competitive service models.

· Conducting competitor analysis and bid strategy development to inform bid decisions and maximise win rates.

· Building and managing delivery partnerships that strengthen proposals, enhance service quality and deliver value for Catch22.

· Providing leadership and assurance throughout the bid lifecycle, ensuring effective governance, compliance and proactive risk management.

· Contributing to a culture of continuous improvement, championing innovation and adopting new approaches and technologies that enhance bid quality and team effectiveness.

Qualifications

We are looking for highly motivated, results-driven professional who brings:

· Proven experience leading successful high-value or complex bids, proposals or projects.

· Exceptional writing, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

· A track record of securing six-figure public sector contracts and/or grant funding.

· Experience developing service solutions and funding propositions with operational teams, partners and stakeholders, including facilitating workshops.

· Strong commercial awareness and a good understanding of the business development lifecycle.

· Knowledge of one or more of Catch22's core service areas, including education, justice, employability, health, or victims and exploitation services.

· Confidence using technology, CRM systems and data to improve performance and effectiveness.

· An undergraduate degree, project management qualification, or equivalent relevant experience.

· A commitment to inclusion, equity and belonging, fostering positive and respectful working relationships.

· Willingness to travel across the UK to engage with colleagues, partners, commissioners and sector stakeholders.

Additional Information

Flexibility: Fully remote role (UK based), or with access to our central London office
Application Deadline:  Wednesday 26th August 2026
Interviews: Thursday 10th and Friday 11th September

Unless otherwise stated, interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised.

We aim to review applications as quickly as possible. However, due to the volume of interest we receive, we may not be able to contact all applicants individually. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful this time.

At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Catch22, please do not hesitate to click apply.